By Abubakar Yunusa Ojima-ojo
Nentawe Yilwatda, the minister of humanitarian affairs and poverty reduction, has been elected as the national chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC).
His emergence was formally announced on Thursday during the national executive committee (NEC) meeting of the APC in Abuja, where party leaders gathered to chart a new direction ahead of the 2027 general election.
Yilwatda’s elevation was adopted as a “consensus decision” by the NEC — a move party leaders described as both pragmatic and symbolic.
His emergence comes at a moment when the APC is seeking to consolidate internal cohesion ahead of off-cycle governorship elections in Osun and Anambra.
Yilwatda succeeds Abdullahi Ganduje, who officially stepped down from the role on June 27.
In his stead, Yilwatda is seen as a bridge-builder with both technocratic acumen and grassroots appeal.
Hope Uzodinma, governor of Imo state, moved the motion for Yilwatda’s appointment, which was seconded by Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house of representatives.
A former governorship candidate in Plateau state and respected academic, Yilwatda has long been viewed as a loyal party man — measured in temperament and widely regarded for his policy depth.
His appointment is expected to usher in a quieter but more strategic phase in the party’s leadership as it gears up for electoral contests and internal reforms.
